Curious: Some dealers in the US are obviously trying to move even the MCS at MSRP and have a small surplus. Every dealer seem to have a bunch of the regular MC. IF the MCS, which is in smaller supply and more heavily demanded, can be had at some dealers for full MSRP, why then would the regular MC not be below MSRP? Curious.

Thanks,
Miniless (currently)

 

There have been a few reports of Coopers being sold under MSRP.

Otherwise, I think a part of the reason is that so many folks want to custom order their MINI. Also, the novelty is still there, so the market will bear the MSRP price.

However, I don't think it will be much longer before you see more "deals." For one, it won't be long now before you start to see a lot more "previously-loved" (used) MINIs from people trading in, etc.

Just my speculative .02 :smile:

 

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>>Otherwise, I think a part of the reason is that so many folks want to custom order their MINI. Also, the novelty is still there, so the market will bear the MSRP price.
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I agree! When our 2003 MC was ordered, there were still 02's on the lot that they were willing to "deal" under MSRP.
Most of the customers opted to custom order and left the pre-spec'd MINIs on the lot.
For those that are not picky about specs or color, there are MINIs out there below MSRP(at least for the MC, not the MCS)
BTW, there is a "previously-loved" 02 MC with sport and premium packages for sale here in Hawaii. Owner wants $19K

 

It's basic supply and demand, as thoroughly manipulated by BMW/MINI. First, most MINI-buyers have been convinced (through some very intelligent marketing) that they need a MINI that is 100% built to their personal specs. Well, the supply for that is exactly equal to the demand (actually somewhat less than demand through artificial reduction of supply)...and thus the price does not have to be "discounted." Second, the number of MINI dealers has been kept low so that in most parts of the country, MINI-buyers feel that they have little choice but to go to a single sales outlet. This generates huge demand (at those locations) and it's a seller's market.

This is all a delicate balance though, and can't be maintained forever. Used cars, changing economy, market segment saturation, and just the passing of time will dictate that "deals" will be made. Good luck!

 

And, in today's vehicle market , the value of a vehicle will depend somewhat on the area of the country--both new and used.

 

Thanks to all who responded to my query. Your comments makes sense.

So it makes sense that BMW is threading the delicate balance of trying to maintain the desirability of the MC by making supply just a touch lower the demand, and yet sell as many as possible to maximize their profits. If we look at the new VW bug, sales have dropped each year that it has come out. Of course, VW made a lot more than MINI did the first year. So VW is introducing a convertible this year to increase sales.

Would be interesting to see what BMW is going to do in the next 2 year regarding their production strategies. I for one absolutely refuse to pay above MSRP. If the MC is now discounted typical to other vehicles, then it would be a no brainer instant buy. (Yes, I know most here thinks that MC is no typical car...:smile: My guess, given howthe MC has been marketed, and that demand is still high and is now going to Japan, that they will continue to toe the 'less is better' in terms of supply to protect that image of desirability. Of course, this is tricky because it opens them up to another 'HOT' care coming down in a couple of years that becomes the next 'must have'....

The interesting thing is that I visited a dealer and called a few more who insists on quoting 3K above MSRP for the stock MC. When queried, they stuck to the line that these cars are in such high demand that 3K above is STILL normally currently. The dealer I visited made a big show of saying that I could see the S, but that one had to to the BACK of the store to see that ONLY one they had which they put in some kind of seclusion.....(presumably because it is so 'rare')

Any other thoughts from the pros here?

 

I got mine MCS for $450 over invoice.........heheheheh End of May baby!!

 

Why charge less if people are already paying the MSRP? Some people are paying more than the MSRP...shows what supply and demand will do.

 

MiniLess, where are you located? Everytime I go to my dealer(which is very small) there at least 20 MCS's in the parking lot.

 

>>I got mine MCS for $450 over invoice.........heheheheh End of May baby!!

where?

can you say?

$400 over invoice, that's well under list, right? best i've been able to find is $200 under list for a mini cooper. and i've called all over.

 

I work for BMW.....otherwise there was a $2500 over MSRP......

 

I heard a few weeks back from a very reliable source (a US MINI dealership owner) that there was a 435 day supply of MC’s in the US. The MCS is still in relatively short supply. There is not a lot of dealer profit built into a MC, but I would guess that if you shopped around, drove a hard bargain and were willing to take a car in stock that you could possibly strike a pretty good deal on a MC at this time.

 

Supply and demand. And the dealer you visited should be avoided.

As previously noted, there are plenty of dealers with MCS's on the lot. Call Mike at MINI of the Hamptons.

It may cost you extra shipping, but that is it.

 

There's still a pretty long wait for a MCS in NJ, or at least at my dealer. They do, however, have a bunch of Coopers on the lot for sale.

 

try shopping for a Harley. lol

 

Katiedidmini,

Thanks. i PMed you but had not response. Mind telling me which dealer? I'm in So. CA but my brother is near NY.

Thanks!
Miniless

>>MiniLess, where are you located? Everytime I go to my dealer(which is very small) there at least 20 MCS's in the parking lot.

 

Katiedidmini,

Thanks. i PMed you but had not response. Mind telling me which dealer? I'm in So. CA but my brother is near NY.

Thanks!
Miniless

>>MiniLess, where are you located? Everytime I go to my dealer(which is very small) there at least 20 MCS's in the parking lot.